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Georgia Wildlife Removal Laws

Last reviewed September 8, 2026 against Georgia DNR published rules and federal statute. How we research this site.

Most sites that rank for wildlife removal say nothing about the law. It is the part that decides who may do the work, and (for bats and birds) when they may do it at all. Everything below is sourced to Georgia DNR and federal statute.

Who is allowed to charge for this work

Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) permit

Anyone charging for nuisance wildlife control in Georgia must hold an NWCO permit issued by Georgia DNR, and cannot legally begin work without one. Permit holders must also maintain a valid Georgia trapping licence at all times; if the trapping licence lapses, the NWCO permit is no longer valid.

Bats

Georgia has two overlapping but distinct restrictions. Quoting only one of them gives homeowners the wrong answer, which is why almost every competing page on this subject is misleading.

Bats are never exterminated. Removal is by one-way exclusion; how that works →

Trap checking

Georgia NWCO permittees must inspect traps and remove any captured animal at least once every 24 hours. It is a reasonable question to ask an operator directly, because it tells you whether they are running a compliant route or leaving animals in traps.

Federal law applies on top of this

Birds: the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Nearly every native North American bird is federally protected. Only three species commonly found in buildings are exempt: the pigeon (rock dove), the European starling and the house sparrow. An active nest containing eggs or young is protected regardless of species. That means a great many bird-in-the-vent jobs legally have to wait. More on bird removal →

Bats

Several bat species carry federal listings in addition to state protection, and maternity season restrictions exist to stop flightless pups being sealed inside a structure.

Doing it yourself

A homeowner handling a small, straightforward exclusion outside the maternity season generally does not need a state permit. That changes the moment money changes hands, or bats are involved during the closed window.

Questions

Do I need a permit to remove an animal from my own house in Georgia?

A homeowner handling a small, straightforward exclusion outside the maternity season generally does not need a state permit. That changes the moment money changes hands, or bats are involved during the closed window.

Can a pest control company do this work?

Not always. Nuisance wildlife control is a separate licence from pesticide application, and protected species add further restrictions. Ask to see the wildlife permit specifically, not a general pest licence.

What happens if the work is done illegally?

It is the operator who carries the licence, but the homeowner commissioned the work. Penalties vary by state and species, and federal bird and bat protections apply on top of state law. This is a reason to check a licence rather than take a cheap quote.

Sources

• Georgia DNR; Excluding Bats From Your House
• Georgia DNR; Acceptable Management Practices for Bat Control Activities (PDF)
• Georgia DNR: Wildlife Control Permits, O.C.G.A. 27 (PDF)

Georgia rules last checked against the above on September 8, 2026.